Champion is a straightedge hardcore band hailing from Seattle, Washington. Vocalist Jim Hesketh and guitarist Chris Williams first formed the group in the spring of 1999 with the intention of having some fun and playing hardcore with lots of heart. After a few months of insane shows the group decided to take it to the next level and pumped out their first demo which was followed by a short West Coast summer tour. Although the demo was well received and the trip was a success the band eventually became plagued with constant line up changes which slowed its momentum. Despite struggling with a r ...read more

Champion is a straightedge hardcore band hailing from Seattle, Washington. Vocalist Jim Hesketh and guitarist Chris Williams first formed the group in the spring of 1999 with the intention of having some fun and playing hardcore with lots of heart. After a few months of insane shows the group decided to take it to the next level and pumped out their first demo which was followed by a short West Coast summer tour. Although the demo was well received and the trip was a success the band eventually became plagued with constant line up changes which slowed its momentum. Despite struggling with a revolving cast of members, Champion was able to regroup in 2000 and put out their 2nd demo which received an excellent response. “Come Out Swinging” was released on Phyte Records and Germany’s Platinum Recordings. After signing to Bridge Nine, Champion recorded and released another EP, entitled “Count Our Numbers”, followed by the re-release of “Come Out Swinging”. With a new LP, “Promises Kept”), Champion has taken their sound to the next level. The bands intensity and conviction is ultimately translated across 12 tracks of fast, melodic hardcore.

"Champoin the straightedge band based out of Seattle Washington has decided to call it quits. While in the process of writing for the 2nd full length we realized that the band might be better put to rest. The amount of touring we had done on the 1st full length was so extreme that in a way we wore ourselves out. Champion was started as something we did for fun. We wanted to create hardcore music the way we liked. Trying to gear up for the new record and crazy touring schedule left us all feeling like it was more of a job to us than our passion. There is nothing I loved more than touring, being on the road, seeing new faces every night, seeing familiar faces from the time before. It was my favorite aspects of Champion. But there came a point when things became to feel like a business to us. We have always had problems keeping people in the band who can keep up with our hectic touring schedule so there were always people in and out of the band. With all the pressure to do another record and to tour, it wasn't what we "wanted" to do anymore; it was what we "had" to do. So before making any commitments that we would be bound to, we decided to end it now, while everyone in the band was still friends and still loved everything we did together as a band. NO ONE SOLD OUT." - champion « hide